"It depends on a lot of things," Baker said before last night's game. "Right now, nothing's new. You have to remember that Estes threw 138 pitches in his last start (against Colorado). We're concerned about these games (in Los Angeles), but we're also concerned about keeping him healthy for the 75 games we have left."

One of those "things" would be the Dodgers taking charge of this four-game series. If a pattern was established last night, Estes might find himself facing the Dodgers, after all.

MISCELLANY: Baker has been amused, albeit without laughter, by Don Baylor's recent comments in Colorado. The Rockies' manager suggested that the Dodgers are the team to beat, and volunteered that workhorse Giants reliever Julian Tavarez "needs a rest." To which Baker replied, "Baylor can say anything he wants. Meanwhile, we just swept 'em." . . . The Dodgers have replaced Pedro Astacio with Tom Candiotti as tomorrow night's starting pitcher. They have not made a selection for Sunday's game. . . . Complicating matters is the hamstring injury to Ismael Valdes, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list yesterday, retroactive to July 4. . . . The Dodger Stadium flags were at half-staff in memory of announcer Jerry Doggett, Vin Scully's trusted partner from 1956 through '87. Doggett, 80, passed away Monday at his home in San Jose.